And now we begin… (January 12, 2018)

January 12, 2018

Dear Friend:

Wednesday marked the opening of the General Assembly’s 438th Legislative Session, which will last until mid-April. From responding to disastrous new federal policies to advocating for important legislation that will enhance our wonderful State, I know it will be another jam-packed 90 days!

As I prepared to push “send” on this email, I really needed to add my strong condemnation of the President’s offensive and racist comments. I plan to speak about it on the Senate floor this morning.

Terminating Rapists’ Parental Rights!
It’s outrageous that our State law allows rapists to retain parental rights. Incredibly, legislation to address this embarrassment has failed for the past nine years! With dogged and patient leadership from the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault, I am hopeful that we will FINALLY get the law changed this year. The Senate heard the bill yesterday (just the second day of session), reflecting the priority that leadership has placed on passing the bill this year.

Legislative Spotlight: Earned Sick Leave
Yesterday, the House of Delegates overrode Governor Hogan’s veto of Earned Sick Leave. I look forward to the Senate debate and vote on the override in the coming days in order to expand paid leave to roughly 700,000 more workers. Enacting this law will ensure that Marylanders are not forced to choose between staying at home with a sick child and paying their rent.

Mike Miller was installed as Senate President for the 31st time this week. He is not only the longest-serving Senate President in Maryland history– he’s the longest-serving Senate President in our nation’s history! Among other important topics, he expects the Senate to find a ‘Maryland solution‘ to the fiscal challenges created by the ill-conceived new federal tax law and to make meaningful changes to sexual harassment policy in response to the #MeToo campaign.
My legislative team and I have been hard at work preparing for session. I recently promoted Legislative Aide Katherine “Kat” Donnelly to become my Chief of Staff. Justin Fiore is joining the staff of the Maryland Municipal League to advance their agenda in Annapolis. I’m looking forward to working with a talented team of fellows and interns on my legislative agenda.

 

Advocating for Jobs on the Governor’s Workforce Development Board (GWDB)
My recent appointment to the GWDB will allow me to speak up on behalf of the I-270 Tech Corridor, which is an important economic driver to our State. In addition, I will have the opportunity to offer the perspective of the nonprofit sector, which employs 12.4% of Maryland residents.

This is the first of my weekly legislative updates; I am committed to keeping you informed throughout the 2018 Session. You can also follow me on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram for photos and posts. Check my website for information about internships, Senatorial Scholarships, and more. And, you can always send questions or comments to me via email.

Best,

Cheryl

Cheryl C. Kagan
State Senator, District 17
(Rockville & Gaithersburg)
www.CherylKagan.org

P.S.P.S. Tickets are going fast for my second UnNaugural Concert on Saturday, January 20th! On Inauguration Day last year, I produced and emceed a concert with five performers and over 500 guests. Proceeds went to five of the progressive causes most threatened by the new Administration. Learn more and buy your tickets now (held for you at the door) if you want to join us this year!